Priority Infomation About Your Procedure

CAREFULLY READ ALL INFORMATION PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE!

Please notify the center you are scheduled to have your procedue. There may be a possibility that the procedure cannot be done at the Center.

Procedural Information

Have you had a Heart Attack or Stroke within the last three months? (Myocardial Infarction, TIA or CIA?)

Are you currently on medication for an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or chest pain taking nitroglycerin?

Do you see a Heart Doctor (Cardiologist) on a regular basis, for example weekly, monthly or every six months?

Do you have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted in your body?

Are you more than 100 pounds overweight?

Do you have trouble breathing when you take 2 flights of stairs?

Do you have oxygen at home in case you need it?

Are you on dialysis? (You have a shunt in your arm and you go for treatments on a regular basis.)

Have you been hospitalized for any illness or major surgery involving your heart, lungs, kidney or head within the past three months?

Are you seeing a physician for any problems with your blood or blood count?

Have you or any family members been told that you had problems with your anesthesia when put asleep for a surgery or procedure?

Important Information for Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy

Blood pressure medications must be taken the morning of the procedure. Water pills (Diuretics) such as hydroclorothiazide and furosemide/lasix should not be taken the morning of the procedure. If you have other medications for your heart please check with our staff. No other medications should be taken the morning of the procedure.

If you are on Aspirin, you may continue it up to and including the day before the procedure. Do not hold aspirin unless you are instructed to by our staff.

If you are on Plavix, please make sure you have informed our staff when scheduling. Do not stop Plavix for the procedure unless you are informed by our physician performing the procedure.

If you are on Coumadin – adjustments to therapy need to be individualized. Please inform our staff when scheduling and discuss with your cardiologist or primary physician.

If you are on Iron supplements. Iron needs to be stopped 5 days prior to colonoscopy.

If you are taking diabetic pills, we suggest taking half of your usual dose the day before your colonoscopy. If you are on insulin, adjustments are usually needed the day before. You need to discuss with your primary physician or endocrinologist your insulin dosing.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You must have a responsible person accompany you have after the procedure. This person must pick you up from the endoscopy center. You may not operate a motor vehicle the remainder of the day following your procedure. You may not take a taxi or bus home unless accompanied by a responsible person.

A nurse from the endoscopy center will call you 1-2 business days before your procedure to verify your appointment time. You will be asked to present approximately 45 minutes before your procedure time as a nurse will review your medical history. Please bring a list of your current medications. An intervenous line (IV) will be started for sedation during the procedure.

When your procedure is done, you will remain in the recovery room for up to 1 hour. Your doctor will then discuss the procedure with you and give you a written copy of the report.

If a polyp is removed or pathology is obtained those results will be available at a later time. If you do not hear from your physician about results within 10 days, please contact your physician’s office.

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and leave jewelry at home as you will be asked to change for the procedure.